Yoga Nidra or "yogic sleep" is a form of meditation wherein you lie down in stillness, relax and listen to the instructor's voice without concentrating too hard (ie. lie down and do nothing!). The particular language and pace of the practice brings us into a space of consciousness on the borderline of awake and sleeping, where our subconscious is very receptive and the body's own healing mechanisms are triggered. The result is deep physical and mental relaxation, a clearing of the nerve pathways to the brain, and increased flow of energy through the body allowing you to release stuck subconscious and unconscious material and awaken rejuvenated and rested.

“Yoga nidra is a means of contacting the source of self- knowledge and inspiration lying within each person. It is a technique of ‘self-induced dreaming’ in which the treasure house of our own consciousness can be systematically illum­ined, explored and then utilized to enrich our daily life.“

- Swami Satyananda Saraswati

A daily yoga nidra practice can completely change your outlook on life, prevent and cure stress-related illnesses and diseases (ie. most of them), and can even change your personality - it is that powerful! It is typically easier to relax into than traditional meditation practices, as you don't need to focus as much which can be hard for beginners - you just flow with the sound of the instructor.

Yoga Nidra is the best modality I have found yet for help sleeping, often with immediate results.